David's Cruise

Yet another day of magnificent clear weather, and warmer than of previous days. The pictures below illustrate more spectacular scenery, this time from a vintage carriage on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. I shall write in more detail when back on board the ship, where I have left the booklets and information I acquired this morning. I am writing this blog “over a late lunch” outside on a raised balcony which spans the frontage of The Skagway Brewing Company eatery-cum-bar-cum-souvenir shop, illustrated below. Far reaching mountain views overlook the buildings in the immediate foreground. For the first time in my life, I enjoyed…….a halibut burger with a cup of (probably) vegetable soup in lieu of French fries. I asked for the halibut to be grilled rather than smothered in beer soaked batter. I rather liked Skagway and chose to walk around further and purchase a few souvenirs. It started to rain. I therefore bought a waterproof jacket with “Alaska” written on it. It’s 1am. I got talking to a Vancouver clergyman while walking around the deck, still trying to take in the surrounding wilderness.More recollections tomorrow. Thanks for reading, David.

Once again, the loveliest of clear mild weather. An ever so slightly cool breeze caressed the outside open space aft on Deck 9 where food can be brought out from the adjacent Lido Buffet. And again, forested hills, not quite so dramatic as those throughout yesterday and last night, rise from a narrow coast line which will be accessed by tender. Apparently, I am joining a hunt for brown bears in the wild later today.But for the moment, enjoying the views from the ship is my idea of the afterlife!Views from my stateroom.Al fresco breakfast.After a leisurely breakfast, it was time already to make my way to the tender boarding area for the short trip to the island on which the “privately owned tourist destination” of Icy Strait is located, a short walk from the village of Hoonah, on Chichagof Island. It receives visits from cruise ships and provides activities for visiting tourists including the world’s longest zip wire.My choice of activity was a walk in the trees in pursuit of wildlife and hopefully, brown bears. This involved a short bus ride to the start of the trail. We drove past the attractive but remote village of Hoonah.Amy our tour guide filled the journey with well presented commentary and her guidance made for a worthwhile and enjoyable trip. A well prepared trail through unspoiled woods lead to three observation points overlooking a river and an expanse of land, woods and hills opposite. The walk was most pleasant and only feasible on a tour. However, perhaps because it was early afternoon, there was little wildlife, and absolutely no bears! There was a rumour that previous tours had also seen very little. I returned to the ship perfectly content.(above) Views from the “The Remote Wildlife and Brown Bear Search.”Despite the lack of animals, I think some of the above photographs illustrate the beauty of this remote land.Unfortunately, I still had issues with a previous tour which I felt needed sharing with somebody from the Tour Sales Office. I await their reply with interest, and for some reason, apprehension despite my complaint being “understandable” We’ll see!Thanks for reading.David.

Huh h h. H. Hi. hi hi. H. L7

(Written the following morning, 24/6/19.)

I had been persuaded by the Tour Sales personnel to chose this trip over a smaller excursion I had opted for originally; seeing somewhat more seemed like a good idea at the time, and I looked forward to this exploration with optimistic anticipation.

The weather was remarkably clear, the landscape magnificent. There was a hint of warmth in the air negating the need for some of the “layers” I had put on as a precaution against its being cold.

And this shore excursion “did what it said on the tin.” Whales made several appearances and I caught a split second glimpse of two jumping simultaneously. We also saw other sea life. However, this trip was heavily oversold and over-narrated, particularly on the connecting bus services. This resulted in overcrowding on the limited and restricted deck space, thus defeating the purpose of what otherwise would have been a superb experience.

Cunard did me no favours persuading me to switch tours, but am sure that they meant well.

The positive side was that I saw an abundance of continual lovely Alaskan landscape which I am unable to portray adequately. Mendenhall Glacier was spectacular, the first time I had ever seen a glacier. I did find occasional peace and quiet, and a cable car trip up Mt. Roberts, next to where we were docked, was a “nice touch” to an “interesting” day.

I discovered to my irritation, the Lido Buffet closes at 9.30. The “rope” was pulled across as I tried to help myself to some, by now, much needed sustenance. A woman behind me remarked that I should have read my Daily Programme. Quite!

Below, are pictures taken during the day, which I hope portray this part of North America adequately – “Queen Elizabeth” joined Royal Caribbean’s “Radiance of the Seas”, “Ovation of the Seas”, and “Coral Princess.” Perhaps overcrowding was inevitable. However, being interested in passenger ships, I was delighted to see this cluster of vessels in such a lovely setting. The next pictures, I will send in the following blog.

David 24/6/19 at Skagway Railway Terminal.

I awoke at 9.20 this morning having slept through much of the scenic cruising towards Alaska’s capital, Juneau. (I always thought that Anchorage was the capital). While I haven’t seen any today, bears (far in the distance), whales and eagles have been spotted by fortunate observers. Cloud covered the snow-capped wooded hills and mountains on both sides. As noon approaches, blue sky and warmth are breaking through and only the highest peaks are crowned with cloud, and patches of snow.I, at long last, and after a hearty breakfast, ventured out into the viewing area forward on Deck 5. Cunard don’t miss a trick, a pop-up bar selling hot alcoholic beverages was offering potent concoctions at 11.50 USD a drink. I just had to try the hot chocolate. Juneau was visible ahead of us. It seems two cruise ships are already in port, providing the economy with a much needed boost.I am not on my own in not looking on Alaska as merely a “to-do” destination. As with almost all of the places I have called at recently, Alaska is yet another place I would like to return to, giving more time to where I have visited. As we approach Juneau, from the port side are views of forest covered, and lightly cloud and snow clad hills. I hope the photographs below illustrate this.(Note for my own informaton)The photographs I took on my camera yesterday reflect GMT-7, not -8 as they should have been. I have reset the camera clock accordingly today)Thanks for reading,David.

1)A dead red cedar

2)Skunk Cabbage.

We arrived in typical U.K. cloudy and cool weather this morning at around 7 o’clock. But, the dreariness “kind- of” added to the bleak beauty of what, most of the time is a very remote and far-away settlement at the foot of a most scenic and spectacular part cloud obscured backdrop. Perhaps my pictures will illustrate better what I am trying to portray.

The first two pictures show the position of the Queen Elizabeth after docking at Ketchikan. The remainder are images captured from my cabin. Ketchikan has almost perpetual rainfall which the people and local environment rely on. Dry periods can soon have a marked impact on the welfare of the surrounding rain forest, which, according to our excellent guide, is second I in size, only to the Amazon. We travelled by bus for around 10 miles to a location where we were met by two guides who took equal sized guests into the rail forest. Our guide was knowledgeable and a superb communicator whose expertise gave us a very comprehensive account of almost everything we were seeing during a one mile stroll along a well prepared down-hill path. We did see eagles and my modest camera capabilities were most impressive capturing from a great distance, bald eagles, camouflaged in far away trees. We were later shown a huge totem pole under construction and then, were brought up close to fowel in the process of rehabilitation from predatory injury. The totem pole park was merely glanced at as time was running out. I’m sure we shall see plenty more on this most fascinating journey. Below, a handful of pictures taken this morning. Look carefully at the tree trunk with three parallel marks at intervals in the bark. These are the claw marks of young black bears escaping the clutches of predators.

After the tour, I walked around what during the day when the cruise ships are in, is a thriving community, with lovely wooden architecture, reminiscent of a less complicated era. But underneath all this, I perceive the still waters run deeper than one might think initially.

Now to walk back to the ship. Today, Ketchikan played host to Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth and the Disney Wonder. This is a quieter day for Alaska’s most southerly port.

Thanks for reading,

David.

I am very surprised and extremely pleased that I have been assigned an outside cabin on Deck 8. For the next seven weeks, I can enjoy an eclectic mix of views ranging from the scenic landscapes of western Canada, Alaska and Iceland, as well as arrivals and departures from Vancouver, New York, Halifax, Reykjavik and Dublin. I am at a table for eight. I forget all their names at the moment. Let’s try! Denise, Glenys, Colin, Carol, Lynne, Joan and me. (I think that’s correct). All appear to be seasoned cruisers, and I believe, apart from Carol and Lynne who live fairly locally, we are all in this for the “the long haul.”Our departure from Vancouver was blessed with bright sunshine and clear skies, making the lovely surrounding countryside as lovely as it could possibly be. Until almost 9am the following day, we would sail well in sight of land and picturesque islands on both sides. But today, sea fog and grey skies detracted from the loveliness of where we were, heading towards the open seas. But now, in late afternoon of the second “cruise” day, blue skies,are manifesting themselves as the sun pours through the glass roofing of Queen Elizabeth’s Garden Lounge. This area is very much like an oversized conservatory on the back of a suburban house, but nonetheless, very pleasant.I chose to do very little today. For whatever reason, I did not enjoy a good sleep last night. Sunlight was spilling through my curtains well before 6am. The balcony, however, more than makes up for a modicum of sleep deprivation!This morning, I completed my unpacking; all is in place now for a week or two. I enjoyed what turned out to be a prolonged lunch. Apart from writing my blog, and now a journal, I have done little else. The fact that it is cold on deck is not a disappointment, soon enough, I will be diving into air conditioned areas to escape a scorching sun. I have signed up for at least three shore excursions in Alaska which should provide opportunities to photograph the wild life which we are assured is in great abundance.To be continued. Enjoy my efforts below. David.

I hope that I am not cutting it fine. But, I wanted to make the most of my last few hours before I am due to board the Queen Elizabeth. I was intrigued by the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and wanted to make my own way there and go around in my own time. This is a very well organised tourist attraction where at least three “trails” are on offer, affording magnificent elevated views of forest, gorges and cliffs. I felt the 51 Canadian Dollar fee good value for what was provided. The “piece de resistance” has to be the very wobbly suspension bridge. Thankfully, I enjoy a good head for heights. I believe I walked along every route available, along with hordes of tourists from all corners of the earth. Below are some of the pictures, hopefully in the order I took them. A few have failed to upload; but there should be enough here to give a general idea, and not in the order I would have liked!

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Trolley” complimentary service from the Hotel to the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

(above) My first exploration was along the Cliff Walk from which these five images were taken.I then crossed the very wobbly Capilano Suspension Bridge. I think any pictures taken were on my main camera. We continue to The Tree Tops Adventure, where the walkway is high up in the tall trees of the forest.

Another trail was “Nature’s Edge”

As one can see, the whole thing was “a bit of a hike” with gradients and steps. But, very lovely, even, awesome!Finally, I made my way back along the swaying suspension bridge, pausing to take it all in, and consign some memories to “film.”

Soon, it was time to return to the Hyatt, check out, and collect my baggage. But before that, I squeezed in a quick visit to the ancient Anglican Canadian church opposite the Hotel. The warden on duty was most welcoming and we agreed on our opinions of Monsieur Trump! Practising Christianity is almost an impossibility when the subject of current American politics rears its (ugly) head! Not because of that conversation, bu I did have to beat a hasty retreat; I really had cut it fine.

My bags were delivered to a waiting taxi, and the trials and tribulations of U.S. customs, and the associated lengthy queues are all but forgotten. So is going to my cabin to find it already occupied. Unknown to me, I had been bumped up to a balcony cabin on deck 8. Hallelujah! Seven glorious weeks of magnificent scenery and wonderful views lay ahead. And, I thought it couldn’t get any better!More news in the near future.

Thanks for reading! David.

Today, (and I have only just thought about it) is the last day I am travelling “independently” i.e. making my own way and staying in hotels chosen extremely well by my travel agent, and finding my way about on trains and other public transport. Tonight at the Hyatt Regency is by way of a “grand finale.” For tomorrow, I embark Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth for the seven week voyage home. This morning, I availed myself of the hop-on/off bus as far as Coal Harbour for a half hour “harbour cruise.” This was part of the hop-on/off deal I signed up to yesterday. The boat ride on a battery powered vessel was most enjoyable, the “captain” entertaining and informative, describing everything from wildlife, pointing out landmarks and architectural facts. There were just seven guests on this boat trip. A cool wind caused me to wish that I had put on more clothing.

After the boat trip, I had several options. I chose to walk back to Canada Place and then to The Vancouver Lookout, very reminiscent of the C.N. Tower in Toronto.

The revolving restaurant here seems to revolve ever so slightly faster! I enjoyed a lunch of onion soup, beef sandwich, and a dessert is on the way.

Two cruise ships are in port today, Holland America’s “Volendam” and “Island Princess”, the latter being out of sight when I walked to Canada Place this morning. Lunch at the top of the Vancouver Lookout has provided rare overhead views of the city. It is very clear today, but with a “nip in the air.” There is little or no reflection and it is not difficult to achieve some impressive photographic results.

I shall just have a second coffee so as to prolong “The Highlife” . Looking down at the vibrant city below, I find it almost unbelievable that I have, at last, crossed Canada by train, and that apart from perhaps a tourist flight, this very long journey involves no long distance flying. After lunch, I explored Gastown on foot, and watched as the steam clock chimed 4 o’clock. My camera battery had gone flat and I was too late, having shown up at the last minute, to capture this spectacle on my phone. I therefore took a Blue route bus for an alternative tour of the city. I returned to Gastown, with ample time to video this unique timepiece.

Gastown : Steam Clock, Decorated lamp standard, Vancouver Lookout. (above)

(below)

1) Looking across from Canada Place

2) The former Canadian Pacific Railway Station

3 and 4) Trolley buses.

5) Canada Place

6) Vancouver Lookout from Gastown

All-in-all, a very good two days in Vancouver. Tomorrow, I set sail for Alaska. I shall have one more opportunity to wander around Vancouver on the way South from Skagway. And when we berth at San Francisco on 3rd July, my land/sea circumnavigation of the world will be complete.

Thanks for reading,

David.

(below)

The Stadium. Vancouver staged the 2010 Winter Olympics. Much of Vancouver’s modern development is as a result of “Expo 86” and the 2010 Winter Olympics. Most, if not all of this ultra- modern development is on former railway yards. I appreciated having more than just a day to enjoy the opportunity to “get to know” Vancouver. Even so, I have hardly “scratched the surface”

DN added 20th June 07.54 hrs.